A tiny Pomerol estate, producing only a few hundred cases from just a few hectares: Le Pin has become one of the defining names of Bordeaux’s Right Bank.

Le Pin 2001 is a 100% Merlot Pomerol from an estate that began with roughly one hectare acquired by the Thienpont family in 1979.

In just a few decades, Le Pin moved from an almost unknown micro-property to one of Pomerol’s benchmark wines. The 2001 vintage combines ripe Merlot fruit with freshness and complexity, and has been rated by some critics above the more famous 2000 at this estate.

Le Pin: from one hectare in 1979

Le Pin began in 1979 when Jacques Thienpont, together with his father and uncle, acquired approximately one hectare of vineyard in Pomerol.

It was never conceived as a large château. The property built its reputation through extremely small production, low yields and close attention to the ripeness and texture of Merlot.

Today the vineyard covers about 2.7 hectares. Pomerol has no formal classification system, yet Le Pin is internationally regarded alongside the appellation’s most important names.

Gravel, sand and clay in a tiny Pomerol vineyard

Le Pin occupies a relatively elevated position in Pomerol, with soils combining gravel, sand and clay.

The gravel provides drainage while clay helps retain moisture through dry periods. Even within such a small vineyard, soil variation creates differences in berry size and ripening dates.

The wine is made from 100% Merlot, a variety closely associated with the clay and gravel soils of Pomerol. Ripe fruit, supple texture and density form the core of the Le Pin style.

Malolactic fermentation in barrel

Le Pin is known for a labour-intensive winemaking approach that suits its tiny scale.

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel, while the malolactic fermentation is traditionally carried out in barriques.

The wine then spends roughly 14 to 16 months in new oak before bottling.

The goal is not oak flavour alone. The barrels help shape the richness of fully ripe Merlot into the creamy, velvety texture that has become closely associated with Le Pin.

2001: a classic Right Bank year for Merlot

The 2001 Bordeaux vintage is often overshadowed by 2000, but the Right Bank — particularly Pomerol and Saint-Émilion — produced many highly successful Merlot-based wines.

Warm, dry spring weather brought early, even flowering. Ripening later slowed through changes in temperature and periodic storms, but September and early October delivered dry, mild conditions that allowed growers to wait for full maturity.

Decanter characterises 2001 in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol as a classic Right Bank vintage, with Merlot performing particularly well.

Cassis, cherry liqueur, plum and sweet toast

Production of Le Pin 2001 has been reported at only around 500 cases.

Early tasting notes described cassis, cherry liqueur, plum, liquorice, caramel and sweet toast.

The palate was noted for opulent texture, concentration and ripe fruit, with a smooth, velvety feel rather than simple weight.

In retrospective tastings, the 2001 has also been praised for showing greater complexity, freshness and class than the estate’s celebrated 2000.

Why 2001 can be more compelling than 2000

The 2000 Bordeaux vintage carries enormous historical prestige.

At Le Pin, however, some critics have preferred the 2001.

Where 2000 emphasises richness, the 2001 combines full Merlot ripeness with a clearer sense of acidity, freshness and aromatic complexity.

For collectors and drinkers interested in the wine rather than simply the reputation of a vintage, that contrast makes Le Pin 2001 especially compelling.

Le Pin 2001

France | Bordeaux | Pomerol | Le Pin | 100% Merlot | Red wine | Vintage 2001 | 750ml

Founded from a single hectare in 1979 and still only about 2.7 hectares today, Le Pin remains one of Pomerol’s smallest and most sought-after estates. The 2001 combines fully ripe Merlot with freshness, complexity and a velvety texture that captures the distinctive character of this tiny property.

Available at IMAMI

IMAMI is a specialist retailer offering wine, whisky, sake and other fine spirits, together with Japanese drinking vessels including Edo Kiriko glassware. We carefully select each bottle and piece with attention to the craftsmanship, history and culture behind it.

For in-store product availability, please enquire at IMAMI Ginza or IMAMI Shinsaibashi, or contact us.

Product selection and availability vary by store.

New arrivals are announced on our official Instagram @imami__japan and in our NEWS archive.